Microscopy Arrangement Coordinate Alignment for Multi-Modal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in microscopy is accurately relocalizing specimen regions of interest when switching between different examination methods and microscopes, as conventional systems require numerous interfaces and optical paths, leading to instability and a time-consuming 'shuttle and find' procedure.
Innovation Solution
A method and microscopy arrangement that establish a three-dimensional reference coordinate system, allowing continuous capture and comparison of coordinates to precisely position a specimen carrier between microscopes, ensuring accurate relocalization without the need for special markings, using a carrier apparatus and control unit to align the specimen with the optical axes of multiple microscopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional microscopy systems use multiple interfaces and optical paths to support different examination methods, then versatility is improved, but optical stability deteriorates due to drift from objective interchange apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple dedicated microscopy systems, each optimized for specific examination methods, rather than one system attempting to support all methods. This segmentation allows each system to maintain optimal stability for its designated functions while the overall network provides versatility through coordinated operation of multiple specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A coordinate system transformation apparatus acts as an intermediary between dedicated microscopy systems, enabling precise positioning and coordination when examining specimens across different systems. This mediator translates coordinates between systems, maintaining positional accuracy without requiring physical specimen transport that would disrupt optical stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If dedicated microscopy systems are used for specific examination methods, then optical stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as specimen transport between systems is required
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinating control apparatus provides universal functionality by managing multiple dedicated microscopy systems, enabling a single specimen to be examined across different examination methods without physical transport. The coordination system creates a unified multi-functional capability while each individual system maintains its specialized stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinate transformation apparatus serves as an intermediary that enables seamless operation between dedicated systems, translating positions and maintaining specimen context across different optical systems without requiring physical specimen movement, thus preserving both stability and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specimen transport between microscopy systems is performed using conventional methods, then method changes are possible, but time consumption increases due to shuttle and find procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes predetermined coordinate relationships and transformation parameters between microscopy systems in advance. When specimen examination needs to switch between systems, the pre-established coordinate mappings enable immediate positional transfer without time-consuming search or realignment procedures, dramatically reducing method change time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical specimen transport and manual repositioning with automated coordinate transformation and digital positioning control. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming mechanical shuttle and find procedures by using computational methods to calculate and apply precise positioning adjustments instantly.
4Adaptability or versatility
If objective interchange apparatus is used to support different modalities, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to detriment to stability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of one system with interchangeable objectives that compromise precision, the approach segments functionality into multiple dedicated systems, each with fixed, precision-optimized objectives. The coordinate transformation apparatus then enables modality flexibility by coordinating between these precision-optimized systems rather than relying on imprecise objective interchange.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a microscopy arrangement, and a microscopy arrangement, having a first microscope and at least one further microscope, wherein each of the microscopes have a respective optical axis. The respective optical axes do not coincide. The method provides a three-dimensional reference coordinate system being set; a carrier apparatus, that is embodied in the arrangement to receive and hold a specimen carrier is introduced into a specimen plane of the first microscope that is intersected by the optical axis and onto the optical axis of the first microscope; a reference point is set on the optical axis of the first microscope; the carrier apparatus is delivered to the further microscope, wherein the current coordinates of the reference point are continuously captured and compared to the coordinates of the optical axis of the at least one further microscope; and the reference point is brought onto the optical axis of the at least one further microscope.